The dead man was named locally as Kenneth Murphy from the village of Belgooly, near Kinsale, Co Cork. Mr Murphy and a workmate were emptying the tank belonging to the Garryvoe Hotel in east Cork when the incident occurred.

His 32-year-old colleague, Finbar Ahern, was reported to be in a stable condition at the Mercy University Hospital in Cork last night.

It is understood the pair were overcome by fumes and were assisted by four men who were passing in a truck at the time.

The emergency services were called and Mr Murphy was pronounced dead at the scene.

The men were employees of Munster Drains Services, an environmental company based in Belgooly.

Mr Murphy was involved with the local GAA club which was founded by his grandfather. "We are all in a state of shock," said Belgooly GAA club chairman Cathal O'Shea.

"Kenneth and his family are highly regarded in the community. He was a superb person, who was a pleasure to be around. Our thoughts are with his family at this time."

The dead man is survived by his twin brother, two sisters and an older brother.